Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-08-12
DAILY HERALD.
THE NEW COURTHOUSE,
Report of the San Francisco Ex-
pert-SOme Suggestions.

pert-SOme Suggestions.
The following is the report of the
expert employed by the Board of Su-
pervisors to examine the plans of the
proposed Courthouse
SAN Francisco, August 10, 1887.
To THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SUPER
yIsoRs OF Los ANGELES COUNTY.
Genilemen:-The working plans and
specifications for the proposed Court
house at Los Angeles were received by
me on the 9th instant, and have been
carefully examined and compared
with the original drawing.
The building, as now designed, l
find to be four feet longer than shown
by the first plans, thus giving more
room on each side of the center break
where it was desirable.
Very little change has been made in
the interior arrangements, and it is
presumed they meet your appreciation.
The exterior, while retaining the
same outline and features, has been
changed in its architectural treatment
from free Gothic to Romanesque style,
as you may see, the round arches sub
stituted for the pointed arches of the
original.
The most noticeable change has
been made in the tower which now
terminates in different design and is
provided with cock.
These changes are all proper and
l consider in the line of improve
ments.
The specifications are very complete
in general with the exception of few
typographical errors and few mar
ginal sketches to be added, to which
/ will call the attention of the arch
itects.
The specifications, think, embrace
all departments necessary to finish the
building except mantels and such
electric wires and speaking tubes as
may be wanted. The large scale de.
tail drawings are sufficient to explain
all exterior details; it would be de-
sirable to have similar scale detail
drawings of interior finish, stairs,
plaster work ETC.. and dou btless your
architects will fur. sh such before es-
Inmates are taken.
With these interior details furnished,
do not hesitate to say that the plans
and specifications will be complete
and sufficiently clear for competent
mechanics in the various departments
to make close estimates while, of
course, many full-sized details will be
furnished as the work progresses.
In going over my estimate of guam
titles with these new plans | find very
little to change.
Prices have advanced Tin this To-
cality) since the estimate was made,
especially in stonework. On the first
of July the stonecutters advanced
their wages 81 per day and reduced
the time one hour per day. This, in
itself, makes quite an item on a large
building.
The new design for tower and ven-
tilators calls for copper or lead where
slate was indicated before, adding
somewhat to the cost.
Also, more expensive tiling is called
for in main entrances and halls than
estimated by me, and more expensive
burglar-proof safe lining and doors.
The additions which l would now
make to my former estimates are as
follows:
Cost of increased size of building. $4,000
Additional cost of stone work ...... 1000
Additional copper work ............. 1000
Clock and dia1s ...................... 1900
Extra burglar proof safes ........ 1900
Total ................ ........... .$17, 500
In proposition No. 2 for all exterior
in stone, the increased cost of stone
I s,Iy 10 oh
$4,000, instead of $1,000. Unless la
Dor should be higher in Los Angeles
than here, feel certain most of the
work will be estimated within my
figures, and the building when erected
will prove very satisfactory.
l have but one or two suggestions or
recommendation to offer:
First, | would recommend Turing
and lathing (wire) on walls of all
court rooms, as the solid walls of
masonry are likely to reflect sounds
causing unpleasant echoes. would
also renew my suggestion that sub
way be formed under the corridor of
basement connecting with engine
room and elevator shaft.
1t may not be out of place for me to
urge your nOnOraDle DodIu W eihPioy
the most intelligent, capable and hon
est superintendent you can find to
assist the architects in carrying on
the work, as it is quite important that
a faithful representative of yours and
the architects interests should be on
the works at all times.
All of which is most respectfully
submitted.